Rick Rescorla saved hundreds of lives on Sept. 11. In his job as the security director for Morgan Stanley in the WTC, Mr. Rescorla predicted airliners crashing into the towers, drew up a detailed plan accordingly, and used it to swiftly evacuate all but 13 of 2700 Morgan Stanley employees and hundreds more. He died when the buildings collapsed.
Rescorla was a decorated Soldier as a young man, retiring as a full Colonel in the US Army. Born in Wales, Col. Rescorla also served in the British Army. His medals include a Purple Heart, Silver Star, and Bronze Star (with Oak Leaf Cluster). He was described by Lt. Gen Hal Moore as the "best platoon leader I ever saw."
In short, Rescorla deserves the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his heroism and sacrifice, but one hasn't been awarded yet